Doppel-Box-Schallplatte

Kapitel 14

"You—how about we have another match?!" someone exclaimed angrily.

"No, I don't want to right now. It's no fun competing with a defeated opponent."

"Just say you're afraid of losing."

…………

With great difficulty, amidst the lively chatter of Ru Feng and Yu Xuan, they finally climbed to the halfway point of the mountain. The terrain here was strange; a clearing could appear out of nowhere. No one knew when it started, but the nationally renowned Fengxian Academy had been built here.

Hidden among the clear streams and lush forests on Maple Tree Mountain is an elegant courtyard, with densely packed green houses and buildings. A couplet hangs in front of the gate, which reads, "Only those with talent can flourish here."

Actually, this is the small gate of Fengxian Academy. The one down the mountain is the main gate. Compared to the tall gate down the mountain, this one is smaller and more exquisite.

The two exquisitely carved vermilion doors, adorned with patterns, are evident even from the lock alone.

The lock was made of gold and sculpted into a lifelike goldfish, with its scales clearly visible.

"The academy must be very rich," Ru Feng concluded to himself, his eyes sparkling.

Next to the small door is a small house. There is a person inside. You can only enter by showing your admission pass.

Upon entering, everyone was immediately struck by the beauty of the academy. The courtyards, large and small, were arranged in a neat and orderly fashion; the pavilions and towers were simple yet elegant; the beautiful flowers and trees displayed a variety of shapes and forms; and the inscriptions and couplets on steles were everywhere. The streams and strangely shaped rocks were also nearby, with several poems engraved on them. These scenic spots were truly breathtaking.

In conclusion, all of these fully embody the characteristics of the academy: studying classics and history, seeking knowledge and understanding, composing poems and couplets, and engaging in literary pursuits.

As is customary, the headmaster will give an opening speech first, and then the dormitories will be assigned.

Before coming to the academy, Ru Feng had heard a general description of the academy's situation in this dynasty from her father. In terms of organization, in addition to the headmaster, there were also deputy headmasters, teaching assistants, lecturers, supervisors, administrators, dormitory heads, hall heads, and other management personnel.

The academy's expenses were mainly covered by income from its land holdings. These land holdings were the academy's own farmland. The imperial court would allocate land to the academy to show its support, and wealthy families who wanted to sponsor the academy would often do the same, rather than directly donating silver. With these land holdings, the academy had a relatively stable source of income.

It seems that Fengxian Academy is indeed highly regarded. In Zilu Kingdom, there are three recognized levels of education: students with excellent grades in the government-run state schools can be promoted to general academies, such as Qilin Academy in Xiangzhou City; top students in Qilin Academy can be promoted to Fengxian Academy or Luolin Academy.

Therefore, Ru Feng was directly admitted to the highest academy because she had never attended any other academy. No wonder many people were looking at her now that they were gathered together.

Since that exam at the foot of the mountain, Ru Feng has gained considerable fame.

Everyone was called together, and after they stood in line, the headmaster and deputy headmaster came out, followed by several other people.

Upon seeing that imposing figure, Ru Feng finally admitted that her wishful thinking had backfired, and she was now extremely disappointed.

Waaah... Why does that handsome guy have to be the headmaster? It's said that headmasters are elusive and often live in semi-seclusion. How is she supposed to be his classmate and develop feelings for him?

!

Chapter 28 Room Allocation

She paid no attention to the routine speech; she just stared at the tall figure, thinking about how to get closer to him. How could she not "take care" of such a handsome man?

Her face was turned to face, and Yu Xuan's big face was facing hers. Ru Feng blinked, as if to say, "What?"

"Be serious, you're practically drooling. Who are you planning to share a room with later?"

"Can I sleep in a room by myself?" Ru Feng asked expectantly. If there were an odd number of students enrolled, wouldn't that mean someone would have to sleep alone? How she wished that person could be her!

"It depends on your luck," Yu Xuan said nonchalantly. "If it doesn't work out, I'll just have to share a room with you."

Ru Feng pouted and retorted softly, "Who wants you to feel wronged? There are plenty of people who want to share a room with me."

"Hmph, I, this young master, have condescended to share a room with you. You should be grateful, yet you still show disdain." Yu Xuan once again reached out his devilish claws and pinched Ru Feng's cheek.

Feeling her face being pulled, Ru Feng quickly took Yu Xuan's hand away, and the two of them were having a great time playing around down there.

"Did the two students below hear me clearly?" Before Ru Feng and the others could react, the middle-aged, refined man on the platform called out. He was the academy's supervisor, named He Kun. His main responsibilities were to oversee the academy's administration and finances, as well as to supervise students' conduct. His position was second only to the headmaster and deputy headmaster.

In an instant, everyone's gaze followed He Kun's, and Yu Jue and Yun Tianze were winking at each other beside them.

Ru Feng and Yu Xuan quickly separated, pretending to be serious as they looked at He Kun. However, Yu Xuan's eyes were a little evasive, while Ru Feng remained calm. She said in a strong voice, "Reporting to the academy, I was asking him a question. I couldn't hear your question clearly just now because the scenery of the academy was too beautiful and distracted me."

Knowing it was an excuse, Ru Feng's attitude was too self-righteous, and coupled with his performance in today's exam, the supervisor decided to let him off the hook.

"Hmph, who knows what they're doing?" a voice rang out.

Looking in the direction of the voice, the newcomer was square-faced, with large ears, broad shoulders, and a thick waist. He was wearing a long brocade robe with a floral pattern. Upon closer inspection, Ru Feng realized that it was Bai Shaojun. What a small world! He had fought with him three times in Yuezhou City, and now he was in Xiangzhou City, and he still managed to run into him!

Yujue and Yuxuan no longer remembered Bai Shaojun, but Rufeng hadn't; they had fought in a brothel just last month. So, the moment their eyes met, sparks could easily fly.

His voice was rather soft, so everyone ignored it because the abbot started speaking.

“Alright, let’s continue. We were just talking about room assignments. As is customary, students are free to group themselves. There are sixty students enrolled this year, so it’s two people per room.” He Kun smiled kindly, looking at the chaotic group below.

"Great, the room assignments are here." Ru Feng immediately raised his hand and asked, "Supervisor, can there be an exception? I've slept alone since I was little, and most importantly, I can't sleep if I'm with someone else."

As soon as Ru Feng spoke, many people voiced their opinions. Those who could attend Fengxian Academy were either from powerful or wealthy families, and many were talented, but even the talented generally came from relatively well-off families—otherwise, how could they afford such a long education? Of course, there were a few exceptions: those from poor families who excelled academically and thus received free admission. Anyone who could enter Fengxian Academy was undoubtedly proud and arrogant. Sharing a room with someone else was practically unheard of for these young masters, so Ru Feng's words sparked a commotion, with almost everyone demanding a room to themselves.

Unexpectedly, experience prevailed. He Kun smiled and said, "Everyone, stop arguing. Previous students have had similar problems, but they all turned out fine in the end. When you graduate, you'll probably miss your roommates. This is the decision, and there can be no exceptions. If you can't decide for yourselves, then we'll draw lots."

The crowd grumbled, but they knew there was nothing they could do. The headmaster and deputy headmaster were watching from the sidelines. They knew that if they stood out too much now, not only would they not be able to leave the academy in the future, but it might also affect their future careers.

"Ru Feng, I'll share a room with you." Yu Jue and Yun Tianze spoke at the same time, then looked at each other in surprise.

"Haha, you're late. Rufeng already agreed to share a room with me," Yuxuan announced smugly.

Ru Feng snapped out of her daze and rolled her eyes at Yu Xuan.

“Ru Feng, let me stay with you. The two brothers can share a room.” Yun Tianze smiled at Ru Feng, his beautiful smile shining brightly and attracting the attention of the group of people around him.

Soon a tall, muscular man next to him said, "Hey buddy, let's share a room."

Yun Tianze quickly shook his head, looking at Ru Feng expectantly. Unfortunately, Ru Feng's gaze was fixed on the direction the headmaster had left, reluctant to part. Come to think of it, she didn't even know the headmaster's name, which was frustrating.

Since they couldn't have a room to themselves anymore, they could stay with whoever they wanted, Ru Feng said listlessly, "You guys can draw lots yourselves."

After thinking about it, she realized that she was really popular, as several people actually wanted to be her roommate. So, she quickly became happy and enthusiastically participated in the matter.

"Come on, so that no one will say I'm biased, let's draw lots to decide." Ru Feng immediately broke off a tree branch, splitting it into three pieces, one of which was the shortest.

"Come on, whoever draws the shortest one, I'll share a room with him," Ru Feng said, holding three small sticks in his hand.

"I don't want to share a room with my brother, that would be so boring," Yu Xuan muttered to himself, his eyes fixed on the three sticks.

But only a short section of each of the three strands is visible, making it impossible to tell which one is the shortest.

So they drew lots in turn, with Yu Xuan first, Yun Tianze in the middle, and Yu Jue last. After comparing them, Yu Xuan had a smug smile on his face.

The students of Fengxian Academy were all housed together in three courtyards, separated by a wall. Each courtyard had ten rooms. According to the arrangement, Ru Feng, Yu Xuan, Yu Jue, and Yun Tianze were not in the same courtyard, but Ru Feng was in the same courtyard as Bai Shaojun, so their future was going to be interesting.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, Ru Feng shouted, "I want the room in the very corner."

Before Bai Shaojun could even get a good look at the house, he yelled at Ru Feng, "That's mine!"

"Let's see who's faster!"

As soon as the words were spoken, two figures suddenly ran towards the room in the far corner. The rest of the people looked at each other, wondering what was so good about that room and when it had become so sought after.

"Haha... Yuxuan, hurry up and come here, this room is ours." Rufeng stood at the door with her hands on her hips, laughing wildly. Bai Shaojun, standing in front of her, glared at her fiercely. "Yuchi Rufeng, our feud has gotten even bigger, just you wait and see!"

Chapter 29 Sleeping

Yu Xuan walked over helplessly, looking at her excited expression: "Why did you insist on choosing this room in the corner? Not only is it inconvenient to get in and out, but it's also close to the mountain. Maybe some insects or something will crawl in."

"If you're scared, then switch with someone else!" Ru Feng pouted and led the way into the room.

As soon as she entered, Ru Feng immediately looked for a bed. When she saw the big bed, her mind immediately started working.

"Brother Xuan, have you always slept alone since you were little?" Ru Feng put on a sweet smile, a smile that was enough to make anyone's heart race.

"Yeah, why are you asking this?" He glanced at the big bed and laughed, "It's okay, I don't snore or grind my teeth."

“That’s not what I’m asking. What I want to ask is, can you…can you sleep alone?” Ru Feng stammered.

"All by yourself? But there's only one bed here. Do you want to sleep on the floor?" Yu Xuan asked incredulously.

Ru Feng's eyes widened: "Why don't you sleep on the floor?"

Yu Xuan raised his eyebrows matter-of-factly: "Why would I choose to sleep on the floor when I have a bed? It wasn't my idea."

Ru Feng was speechless for a moment before saying, "How about we make do for one night? I'll get a plank tomorrow and use it as my own bed. It's really not comfortable for two people to sleep together."

"Whatever." Yu Xuan was very unhappy. She had already reluctantly slept with him, but he still didn't appreciate it.

That night, Ru Feng tried to sleep with a rope like Xiao Long Nu, but found it too difficult, so he gave up and obediently went to bed.

There was an empty space in the middle of their bed, unclaimed. In the dead of night, after a long while, a soft, gentle voice drifted out: "Are you asleep?"

"Asleep." The voice of someone was still wide awake.

"Then chat with me for a while."

"I said I'm asleep and I'm not talking." The voice sounded a little annoyed.

"But I can't sleep. Why can't you sleep? I want to chat. Sigh, when will I be able to see the headmaster again? What's his name? Will he still give us lessons? Will those old men who give lessons be very old-fashioned? Sigh, studying doesn't seem very fun." Ru Feng sighed. However, compared to the military camp, studying, although a bit boring, was at least safe.

"How come I don't know? You're not a woman, why are you so concerned about that headmaster?" came a disdainful voice.

"Beauty knows no borders or genders; I just like it."

"Then why aren't you looking at me?"

A long silence followed...

Ru Feng sighed softly again: "Alas, if you were that good-looking, would I need to seek opportunities elsewhere?"

Yu Xuan was furious. He was restless all night, and the faint fragrance emanating from Ru Feng kept reaching his nose, making him feel uncomfortable all over.